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About the Role

The Animal Research Assistant will support preclinical breast cancer research with a strong focus on animal-based studies and PDX models. The role involves assisting with animal monitoring, in vivo procedures, sample collection, and study coordination, while also providing basic laboratory support related to translational oncology research. This position contributes to the delivery of high-quality and ethically conducted research outcomes.

Responsibilities

Support animal-based experiments and PDX studies in accordance with Garvan animal ethics and welfare standards.
Monitor mouse welfare, health, and behaviour, and report abnormalities to senior staff as required.
Assist with routine in vivo procedures including dosing preparation, injections, oral gavage, anaesthesia, tissue collection, euthanasia, and post-mortem procedures following appropriate training.
Maintain accurate animal records, sample tracking systems, and experimental documentation.
Coordinate animal arrivals, breeding records, and study-related administrative tasks.
Assist with preparation of animal ethics documentation, data collection, and research outputs.
Support basic mammalian cell culture activities including media preparation, thawing, passaging, and maintenance of cell lines.
Prepare laboratory reagents, drug stocks, working solutions, and serial dilutions for experimental studies.
Assist with simple plate-based assays including cell viability and drug response assays.
Support routine laboratory organisation including stock management, reagent preparation, and maintenance of shared laboratory spaces.
Work collaboratively with researchers, students, and animal facility staff to support research activities and project milestones.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of animal ethics, monitoring procedures, and WHS requirements.
Participate in training, professional development, and laboratory meetings.

Requirements

Previous experience working with rodents in a research setting.
Strong commitment to animal welfare and ethical research practices.
Basic knowledge of animal husbandry, handling, and monitoring procedures.
Experience or willingness to learn in vivo techniques including injections, oral gavage, anaesthesia, and tissue collection.
Basic laboratory skills including preparation of reagents, media, and experimental solutions.
Previous exposure to mammalian cell culture or plate-based assays is desirable.
Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
Good written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a research team.
Interest in cancer biology, translational research, and preclinical models is desirable.
Only applicants with full working rights in Australia are eligible to apply for this role.

Skills

Animal technology
Biomedical science
Laboratory science
Rodent handling
Animal husbandry
In vivo techniques
Mammalian cell culture
Plate-based assays
Reagent preparation
Communication skills
Organisational skills

Location

Australia

Work Type

2 year maximum term contract
Full-time

Experience Level

Depending on experience

Education Level

Relevant qualifications in animal technology, biomedical science, laboratory science, or a related discipline (preferred)

Salary/Compensations

Up to $67,500 + 14% superannuation + salary packaging

Benefits

Generous salary packaging to save you income tax on your wages thereby boosting your monthly take home pay (max. $15,900 general expenses + $2,650 meals/accom)
Ample opportunities for on-going training and development
Stimulating, diverse and highly international research environment
Flexible work arrangements e.g. start / finish times
18 weeks paid parental leave for both parents including paid superannuation
A range of additional leave types to meet your personal needs including cultural leave, conference leave, community service and study leave
Discounted Health Insurance
Lifestyle discounts with our community partners

About the Company

The Connie Johnson Breast Cancer Research Laboratory is a translational breast cancer research group focused on understanding therapy resistance and developing improved therapeutic strategies using preclinical models, including patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. The laboratory combines in vivo studies, molecular biology, and translational oncology approaches to support clinically relevant cancer research.
The Garvan Institute of Medical Research brings together world leading researchers and clinicians, collaborating locally and globally, to improve human health. Our mission is to harness all the information encoded in our genome to better diagnose, treat, predict and prevent disease. From the individual patient with rare disease, to the many thousands affected by complex, widespread illness, we are pioneering discoveries across diseases that have the deepest impact on our community. Through our key scientific strengths in data, genomics, cellular, translation and clinical science, we aim to catalyse research from fundamental discovery to transformational impact. Enabled by cutting-edge technology and world-class facilities, and the support of our passionate Garvan family; our researchers and professional staff strive, every day, to create a future where everyone lives longer, healthier lives.